Mavericks: What to watch for as Luka Doncic goes for Olympic bronze

The Dallas Mavericks watched closely as Luka Doncic and Slovenia lost a heartbreaker in the Olympic semifinals. The 22-year-old produced a historic triple-double, but Nicolas Batum blocked the winning layup in the final seconds to lift France into the gold medal game.

Slovenia has shifted its focus to leaving Tokyo with medals. They face Australia in the bronze medal game, and it will be no easy task. The Aussies have won four of their five games and had a 15-point advantage over Team USA in the semis before the Americans stormed back.

One Maverick will leave the 2020 Olympics with a medal. Josh Green plays for Australia and will be facing Luka Doncic on Saturday morning. Here is a look at how to watch, the odds, and more.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Slovenia vs. Australia: How to watch

Start time: Aug. 7 at 6:00 a.m. CT or 7:00 a.m. ET

How to watch: USA Network

Watch online: NBC Olympics

Odds courtesy of WynnBET: Slovenia -135, Australia +110

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Slovenia vs. Australia: Injury updates

Luka Doncic banged his wrist into the scorer’s table in the semifinals, but he will be ready to go on Saturday. Slovenia should be fully fit and ready for the medal contest.

Aron Baynes was injured in Tokyo and will miss Saturday’s game. His neck injury was made worse after a bathroom incident, so Australia will have just 11 players ready to take on Luka and his countrymen.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Slovenia vs. Australia storyline to watch: Win a medal

The sole focus for Luka and Slovenia is to take home that medal. Australia is going to try to force the ball out of Doncic’s hands and make the rest of the roster defeat them. The 22-year-old dished out 18 assists in the semifinal as France used a similar strategy. Do not expect the Aussies to change it up.

Free throws will be a key in who takes home the bronze. Luka Doncic received one of two Slovenia technical fouls against France. Those two points were the difference in the game. Doncic and Slovenia struggled from the foul line too. They missed nine of 20 free throws, which cost them dearly in the one-point loss. The Aussies have made 78.8 percent of their foul shots during the Olympics, compared to Slovenia’s 69.7 percent. It could be the difference in a tight game.

Luka will be ready to put on a show as he attempts to lead Slovenia to a medal. Dallas Mavericks fans cannot miss this one. Expect another back-and-forth contest that comes down to the wire. Do not miss it.